Unveiling the Mysteries of the Thousand Sons
The Thousand Sons, a legion of Chaos Space Marines, have a rich and complex history that draws inspiration from various mythological and historical sources. One of the most notable references is to the Achaemenid Empire, a vast and influential empire that existed in ancient Persia. This empire served as the legion’s first recruiting ground on Terra, setting the stage for their future endeavors.
Influences from Ancient Greece
The Thousand Sons’ involvement in pacifying Boeotia during the Unification of Terra is reminiscent of the Greco-Persian wars, a series of conflicts that shaped the ancient world. This nod to history adds depth to the legion’s narrative, highlighting the intricate web of influences that have shaped their identity.
Zoroastrian Deities and Shakespearean Echoes
Ahriman and Ohrmuzd, the evil and good deities of Zoroastrianism, respectively, play a significant role in the Thousand Sons’ mythology. Additionally, the name Prospero, inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, adds a touch of literary flair to the legion’s narrative. These diverse influences have contributed to the Thousand Sons’ unique character, making them one of the most fascinating legions in the Warhammer universe.
Egyptian Mythology and the Structure of the Legion
Magnus, the leader of the Thousand Sons, uses the term “pesedjet” to describe the structure of his legion. This term originates from Egyptian mythology, where it referred to a grouping of nine deities. This subtle reference underscores the legion’s connection to ancient mythologies and their desire to tap into the mysteries of the universe.
Evolution of the Thousand Sons’ Background
Over time, the Thousand Sons’ background has undergone significant changes. Initially, not all members of the legion were psykers, although they all possessed sorcerous knowledge and minor magical abilities. The introduction of the Rubric of Ahriman and the concept of Rubric Marines revolutionized the legion’s visual design and mythology. However, earlier tropes, such as Tzeentch gifting physical mutations upon his followers, have been reincorporated into the background as the Flesh-change.
Conflicting Numbers and the Siege of Terra
The novel A Thousand Sons states that the Thousand Sons Legion consists of 10,000 members at the time of the Burning of Prospero. However, later sources, including the Forge World rulebooks, suggest a much larger size, ranging from 89,000 to 90,000 members. The subsequent Siege of Terra novella, Fury of Magnus, shows the legion’s post-Burning of Prospero strength to be around 9,000, adding to the mystery surrounding the legion’s true numbers.
Legacy and Connections
The Thousand Sons are part of a larger network of Chaos Space Marine Legions and Warbands, each with their own distinct history and mythology. Their story is also intertwined with the broader narrative of Space Marine Forces and the Cults of the Thousand Sons, underscoring the complexity and richness of the Warhammer universe.
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